Jenna Hynek
Alzheimer’s Association
Lincoln, NE – Advocates from the Alzheimer’s Association gathered at the Nebraska State Capitol for Advocacy Day, meeting with state senators to discuss legislative initiatives aimed at improving care and support for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The discussions centered around two key bills: LB253 and LB61.
LB253 seeks to ensure that insurance and Medicaid cover biomarker testing, which is crucial for achieving earlier and more accurate diagnoses. Biomarker testing allows for better treatment planning, helping patients and their families manage the disease more effectively. Early detection can improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enable families to plan for future care needs. Because diagnosis leads to lower costs of care for people living with dementia, access to biomarker testing can accelerate these cost savings. In a 2018 analysis, diagnosis led to projected cost savings of approximately $63,000 per person, of which $30,000 was in Medicare savings, $20,000 in Medicaid savings, and $13,000 in other savings.
LB61 would require the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to file a Medicaid waiver amendment to address the reimbursement rates for memory care services. Currently, Medicaid reimbursement does not adequately cover the costs of specialized dementia care, forcing memory care communities to absorb financial shortfalls or reduce services. With the number of Nebraskans living with Alzheimer’s projected to increase beyond the current 35,100 cases, ensuring sustainable memory care funding is more critical than ever.
Alzheimer’s and other dementias are among the most pressing public health challenges of our time, affecting tens of thousands of Nebraskans and millions across the country. Memory care facilities provide a cost-effective alternative to nursing home care, yet without proper funding, many families face limited access to these essential services.
A recent NIH-funded study revealed that Americans over age 55 have a 42% lifetime risk of developing dementia—more than double previous estimates. This underscores the urgency of legislative action to support individuals and families affected by these conditions. Managing coexisting conditions, such as diabetes, becomes significantly more complex for those with cognitive impairment, further emphasizing the need for adequate resources and specialized care.
The Alzheimer’s Association urges Nebraska lawmakers to support LB253 and LB61 to improve early diagnosis, enhance care options, and alleviate the financial burden on families and healthcare providers.